An exploratory analysis of definitions and applications of spirituality in the workplace

Abstract

In response to the rising interest in “spirituality in the workplace”, an exploratory analysis of text passages expressing definitions and applications of the topic was conducted. A grounded theory process applying thematic and network analysis techniques was used to examine text samples from three different sources: e‐mail, survey responses, and a literature search. Throughout the investigation an emphasis was placed on maintaining the multiplicity of definitions and applications of “spirituality in the workplace” while methodologically studying the thematic content of these expressions. Code words representing concepts in four function categories emerged: nouns, actions, qualities, and theories. Sentences were re‐formed to reveal concepts and relationships discussed in the text samples. Practical applications of the themes of diversity, learning and development, intuition and the personal aspects of “spirituality in the workplace” are presented.

Citation

Freshman, B. (1999), "An exploratory analysis of definitions and applications of spirituality in the workplace", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 318-329. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534819910282153